In reply to Guy & Enty & Yorkshireman:
I will indeed die, and I will be hoping Santa has been to Assos this year....
correction - it is now 5 days and this is the itinerary put together by my mate John
Sat 13th July - DAY 1 - Beaufort, Albertville, Col de la Madeleine, St Michel de Maurienne, Col de Telegraph, OVERNIGHT in Valloire (133km)
Mon 14th July - DAY 2 - Valloire, Col de Galibier, Briancon, Col de Izoard, Guillestre, Embrun, OVERNIGHT in Gap (163km)
Tues 15th July - DAY 3 - Tour de France Stage 18 Gap to Alpe d'Huez to Alpe d'Huez (yes - you climb the mythical 21 hairpins twice which means passing our hotel and knowing you have 50km further and another ascent of the Alp to go!!!!!) OVERNIGHT in AdH or Bd'O dependent on availability (168km)
Wed 16th July DAY 4 - Tour de France Stage 19 - Bourg d'Oisans to Le Grand Bornand (my Birthday!!). This is going to be one tough day after the 42 hairpins of AdH! OVERNIGHT in Grand Bornand. (204km)
Thurs 17th July - Day 5 - Le Grand Bornand, Col des Aravis, Col des Saisies OVERNIGHT Beaufort. A short day but still with two cols which after my b'day celebrations could be tough! (53.3km)